Hooghly, June 20 -- West Bengal is witnessing a "new freshness" and moving towards a brighter future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday in his first public rally in the state following the formation of the first-ever BJP government in the state last month, ending the 15-year rule of Mamata Banerjee-led TMC dispensation.

It appears that Bengal has "broken free from its shackles" and is witnessing the restoration of its past glory, PM Modi said, addressing the 'Paschimbanga Divas' celebrations in Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. Tarakeswar is famous for the ancient Taraknath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva, which attracted massive crowds of devotees.

"Baba Taraknath and this sacred land of Bengal, this historic date of West B...